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Planning commission approves 72-unit Eden Ranch condo project with density bonus and waivers
Summary
The Hayward Planning Commission approved a 72‑unit, three‑story condominium development at 29312 Mission Boulevard (Eden Ranch) using a state density bonus and multiple waivers; staff found no identifiable public‑health or safety impacts from the waivers and recommended conditions including a revised condition 72.
The Hayward Planning Commission on Wednesday approved a vesting tentative tract map, site‑plan review and density‑bonus application for a 72‑unit townhouse‑style condominium project on a 4.8‑acre site at 29312 Mission Boulevard.
Senior planner Steve Kowalsski told commissioners the proposal from developer City Ventures would build nine three‑story buildings with 72 three‑bedroom units, eight of which will be designed for accessibility and eight provided as below‑market‑rate units (seven low‑income, one moderate‑income). The rear 1.5 acres would be preserved as permanent open space under an easement and the units would be served by private streets with a single connection to Mission Boulevard. "The developer is entitled to one concession and an unlimited number of waivers under state density‑bonus law," Kowalsski said, noting that the waivers respond to site constraints including a steep hillside and a fault zone.
Why it matters: The project adds for‑sale housing including affordable units to Hayward’s housing inventory and relies on state density‑bonus provisions that allow a developer to request flexibility from certain local standards in exchange for affordable housing. Commissioners emphasized the importance of preserving the hillside and of transit and stormwater measures tied to the site’s low point.
Commissioners asked about several design and infrastructure issues. The developer confirmed the units are air‑space condominiums, accessible units will have flush entries and 36‑inch interior openings, and each garage space will be wired for Level‑2 EV charging though only one Level‑2 charger will be installed in surface parking. The project requests waivers for landscape buffer widths, setback encroachments caused by a front‑set stormwater treatment basin, building massing standards, driveway separation and parking ratios; staff said the waivers do not present identifiable public‑health or safety risks and recommended approval subject to findings and conditions. The developer said it would tap both mains in Mission Boulevard to improve water redundancy rather than install a looped water system that would require costly connections to adjacent developments.
Public comment: One member of the public, Ro Aguular, spoke in support of the application, saying it advances the city’s goals to produce a range of housing types and to address low‑ and moderate‑income housing needs.
The commission voted to approve the vesting tentative tract map, site‑plan review and density‑bonus application and included the revised condition 72 referenced in the staff addendum. The decision is final unless appealed to the city council within 10 days.
What’s next: If appealed, the city council would schedule a public hearing; otherwise the applicant will proceed to entitlement and construction permitting under the conditions adopted by the commission.
